doctoral program special education

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Doctorate in Special Education

Lead the way in creating an equitable and inclusive education system.

Break barriers and reform special education by gaining cross-disciplinary expertise in our doctoral (EdD) program. The program is designed to support the development of researchers, educators, and scholar leaders as they acquire knowledge in the fields of cognitive psychology and the developmental sciences in an effort to meaningfully translate that knowledge to the most pressing issues in special education today.

As a doctoral student in our program, you'll collaborate with faculty in a variety of areas, including early childhood education, elementary, secondary and transition to post-secondary education, and working with culturally and linguistically diverse learners with exceptionalities. We also focus on students with various disabilities, such as emotional and behavioral challenges.

We're looking for students who are passionate about improving outcomes for children and families, and who are eager to work with transdisciplinary partners to advance research in this field.

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Transform Knowledge into Action Our program infuses cutting-edge theoretical lenses in the field of SEDS to translate and apply research related to learning for diverse populations, developing scholar leaders who are changing the landscape in academic and community settings.

Collaborative Research Students have a unique opportunity to work alongside SEDS faculty, who are nationally recognized researchers in the field, on funded research projects, resulting in a wide range of experiential learning outcomes, such as presenting at conferences and co-authoring research publications.

Convenient Schedule Courses are scheduled once a week in late afternoons and evenings (Monday-Thursday) to accommodate the schedules of working professionals, and for internship experiences.

The GW Advantage

Benefit from our unique location in the heart of our nation’s capital. With close proximity and connections to government and private organizations, along with the area's diverse school settings, our students have access to opportunities to truly affect systems change in special education policy, research, and practice. Our diverse community allows students to explore and investigate the most pressing issues in the education and development of students identified with disabilities, as well as support a more inclusive and equitable world.

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 Program at a Glance

Doctor of Education (EdD) in the Field of Special Education

Department:

Special Education & Disability Studies

Course Delivery:

Main Campus

Program Entry:

The mission of the doctoral program in the Department of Special Education and Disability Studies Department (SEDS) is to prepare scholars and leaders who can translate and determine the appropriate application of research at the school, local, and federal levels for people with disabilities. In other words, scholars draw from findings in developmental science, disability studies, and intervention research practices to develop and implement equitable, inclusive practices for students and adults with disabilities. Our mission is to prepare doctoral candidates for leadership roles in special education and related fields with a strong foundation in developmental science and strength-based, inclusive pedagogy.

• Guide to Applying
• Admission Requirements
• Application Deadlines

GSEHD’s Office of Admissions invites you to apply for a spot in our program. Please review the following admission and financial information. Ready to take the next step in your career? Review our step-by-step guide to applying to GSEHD > To learn more about the program, admission process, and upcoming events, please connect with the GSEHD Admissions Team at [email protected] or 202-994-9283.

To be considered for admission, applicants must submit the online application form as well as the following required supporting documents. There is no application fee.

Prerequisite: Master's Degree

• Statement of Purpose
• 2 Letters of Recommendation (must be academic)

Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities

*Additional application requirements may exist for international applicants .

View more details about requirements  

Applications are now being accepted for Fall 2024. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.

For more information or to inquire about the next admissions cycle, contact the GSEHD Admissions Team at [email protected] or 202-994-9283.

 Tuition & Financial Aid

• Tuition Overview

We know embarking upon graduate school is a big decision - due in part to the costs of attending. At GW, we understand the time and thought behind making graduate school work for you. Please take a moment to learn more about the options and opportunities available to help fund your graduate education.

Learn more about scholarships, grants & financial aid    

Graduate tuition is charged per credit hour, unless otherwise noted. Rates vary by program and location.

The tuition rate* for the EdD in Special Education program is $1,905 per credit hour .

This program requires 54 credits .

Please note: Additional fees may apply for international students, late fees, etc. Current tuition rates may be updated during the year.

*Summer 2024, Fall 2024 and Spring 2025

View the current fee chart    

Scholarships are available to eligible admitted students. Review eligibility requirements and learn more about funding your education >

My master’s led to policy work, a doctorate, and the decision to focus my skills, energy, and commitment on co-founding a middle school with a GSEHD colleague. In a Title I setting, we have designed and are delivering the best, comprehensive education model for students. Our project based, small group learning builds problem solving skills, a strong sense of community, and confidence. We draw no lines - all of our students - general and special education alike - learn to advocate for themselves.

ELIZABETH SHOOK-TORRES Co-Founder, Washington Global Public Charter School EdD in Higher Education Administration

 Career Outlook

Graduates are prepared to have an impact through leadership in academic settings, research communities, policy institutions, and advocacy organizations. You will become a leader, innovator, and change agent in the field of special education.

Our graduates serve as:

• Academic Faculty
• Research Scientists
• Senior-level Policy Analyst
• Special Education Program Directors/Coordinators

• Universities or Colleges
• PreK-12 Educational Settings
• Policy Think Tanks
• Research Organizations, Centers, and Institutes

Special Education (EdD) Faculty

Associate Dean for Research and External Relations; Director of Accreditation; Professor, Special Education and Disability Studies

Assistant Professor, Special Education and Disability Studies

Associate Professor, Special Education and Disability Studies

Department Chair and Associate Professor, Special Education and Disability Studies

Upcoming Events

Program info sessions.

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College of Education

• Graduate Program
• Special Education

Special Education - Ph.D.

Program overview.

The Ph.D. program in Special Education prepares leadership personnel to help shape the future of special education.The program focuses on outcomes that will prepare graduates in the areas of research, program development, leadership, and evaluation, and teacher preparation.

Program Handbook

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Degrees Offered

Ph.D., many courses offered at a distance. Program tracks and areas of focus include:

• Assessment Program Track
• Generic: High Incidence Disabilities Track
• Applied Behavior Analysis Program Focus
• Autism Program Focus
• Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program Focus
• Orientation and Mobility Program Focus
• Visual Impairment Program Focus
• Deafblind Focus

Career Opportunities with This Degree

Graduates are prepared for roles as faculty and researchers in university programs and specialists and consultants in direct-service agencies. The Ph.D. program in special education seeks to provide personnel for these roles by preparing reflective, culturally sensitive practitioners and leaders in the profession of education who practice within the Code of Ethics adopted by the Council for Exceptional Children.

Application Materials

College Transcripts – Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded to the Graduate School application . Information on submitting official transcripts will be provided to you by the Graduate School. Grade reports or unofficial transcripts from university web portals will not be accepted. Please redact the Social Security Number anywhere it appears on your transcript. If documents are written in a language other than English, a copy of a complete and official English translation must be provided with the original language records.

Required Supplemental Application Materials

Resume, Applicant Statement, 3 Professional Recommendations. Download a comprehensive list of requirements.

Application Process

Please visit the Graduate Application Process for more information on how to apply.

• Due to ongoing accessibility concerns, the Graduate School has suspended GRE test score requirements for applications through at least Summer 2025. For more information, please contact the Graduate School .

Semester in which the program can be started.

Spring, Fall, or Summer I or II

Estimated Hours to Completion

90 credit hours for Ph.D.

Allowable Transfer Hours

30 credit hours maximum

Financial Aid

TTU Graduate School and COE scholarships, research assistantships, student loans (loans not available for cert only students)

No hard deadlines for applications. Continuous application review occurs but applicants are encouraged to apply early as acceptance to the program is competitive.

Tuition & Fees

Use the Student Business Services Tuition Estimator to estimate your costs.

L.J. Gould, Ed.D. Admissions Coordinator Office of Graduate Admissions & Enrollment [email protected] 806-834-4224

• Delivery: Hybrid
• Hours to Completion: 90
• Now accepting applications for: All Semesters
• Maximum Transfer Hours: 30

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UCLA Graduate Programs

Graduate Program: Special Education

UCLA's Graduate Program in Special Education offers the following degree(s):

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

With questions not answered here or on the program’s site (above), please contact the program directly.

Special Education Graduate Program at UCLA 1009 Moore Hall Box 951521 Los Angeles, CA 90095-1521

Visit the Special Education’s faculty roster

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Visit the registrar's site for the Special Education’s course descriptions

• Admission Requirements
• Program Statistics

(310) 825-8326

[email protected]

MAJOR CODE: SPECIAL EDUCATION

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Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD), Special Education

Courses start every monday, take the first step in your national university journey, 230k+ alumni worldwide, phd-ed in special education.

For education professionals with a desire to be an active scholar in the field of education and make significant contributions to the existing body of knowledge, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education program can take both your research skills and career options to a higher level. The program begins with a review of theoretical frameworks to support your understanding of the role of theory in a PhD degree. Coursework combines this strong base of theoretical knowledge with an individualized focus to conduct research in pre-K-12, post-secondary, and adult learning environments as you contribute new and innovative findings to advance your field of educational specialization.

Why Earn Your Doctorate in Special Education with National University?

The Special Education (SE) specialization is designed for professionals who work with gifted and disabled students in a variety of settings. The program covers a spectrum of related issues, including the development and characteristics of students, learning differences, and instructional strategies that address these special needs. The coursework provides you with the knowledge and contemporary research skills to plan, assess, and deliver instruction to gifted students and those with mental, physical, behavioral, or learning disabilities.

Admission Requirements 

A conferred post-baccalaureate master’s degree or doctoral degree from a regionally or nationally accredited academic institution or an international institution determined to be equivalent through an approved evaluation service.

Dissertation Process

In addition to the foundational and specialization courses, each PhD student is required to complete a high-quality dissertation through a systematic process and sequential courses assisted by faculty. A PhD dissertation is a scholarly documentation of research that makes an original contribution to the field of educational study. The step-by-step process requires care in choosing a topic, documenting its importance, planning the methodology, and conducting the research. These activities lead smoothly into the writing and oral presentation of your dissertation.

Courses and Sequence

The PhD in Education program requires 60 credits for degree completion. Additional credit hours may be allowed as needed to complete your dissertation research. If granted, additional courses will be added to your degree program in alignment with the SAP and Academic Maximum Time to Completion policies. The estimated time needed to complete this program is 45 months.

Course Details

Course listings.

A PhD prepares you to make significant contributions to the body of literature within the education field. This course prepares you for understanding what theory is, recognizing theoretical frameworks within existing literature, connecting your research interests to existing theoretical frameworks, and justifying how your research will add to the wealth of current theories in the field.

Specialization Course 1

Your success as a scholarly professional will largely depend upon your communication skills, particularly in your written work. This course supports your development as a scholar who can publish in different types of research-based publications for a variety of audiences. You’ll practice synthesizing multiple sources, formulating arguments, and integrating feedback through iterative drafts of your work. These are key capabilities you’ll need as you submit your research in published manuscripts and presentations.

In this course, you’ll develop effective search and writing strategies to create a scholarly review of literature. The course emphasizes how to: (a) use effective literature search strategies; (b) develop a scholarly synthesis of research literature; (c) organize research literature around identified themes, including a study problem, purpose, and theoretical perspectives; and (d) focus on developing a scholarly exposition that reflects divergent viewpoints and contrasting perspectives. The overarching goal is for you to understand strategies for surveying scholarly literature that avoid bias, focus on educational, practice-based research problems, and address the requirements of a scholarly literature review.

Specialization Course 2

This course introduces you to the research process by exploring its underpinnings, examining its paradigms, and investigating the foundations of qualitative and quantitative methodologies used in educational studies. You’ll identify criteria for the development of quality research studies that are ethical, accurate, comprehensive, cohesive, and aligned. Specific course topics involve the ethics of conducting research; data collection and analysis techniques; and issues of feasibility, trustworthiness, validity, reliability, transferability, and rigor. The goal is to familiarize yourself with the concepts and skills associated with conducting theoretical and applied research.

Specialization Course 3

This course provides the foundational knowledge to become a critical consumer of statistical-based research and a skilled analyst of non-inferential quantitative data. Coursework focuses on understanding multivariate data, non-inferential and inferential statistical concepts, the conventions of quantitative data analysis, and interpretations and critical inferences in statistical results. You’ll use software applications to complete statistical computations and perform quantitative data analysis. The course culminates in a synthesis project to demonstrate your statistical skills and present your results using APA guidelines.

Specialization Course 4

Elective Course*

Specialization Course 5

A focus on qualitative research methodology and the designs and methods used to collect and analyze data in educational research. You’ll examine the principles of qualitative research and explore commonly used designs (also referred to as qualitative traditions or genres) with a focus on application and feasibility. Qualitative data collection and analysis methods will be examined for their suitability with regard to the research design selected. Alignment between qualitative designs and research methods, issues of trustworthiness, and the responsibilities of the qualitative researcher will also be explored.

Specialization Course 6

An exploration of quantitative research methodologies and associated designs and methods. You’ll examine paradigmatic perspectives along with the tenets and conventions of quantitative research. Topics for examination include feasibility, validity, reliability, variable operationalization, inferential designs, and analytic software applications used within the quantitative research paradigm. You’ll also look at the components of quantitative research designs that support meaningful studies within the field of education.

Select One of the Following Two Data Analysis Courses:

An exploration of advanced statistical principles and how to apply them to quantitative research. This course provides an overview of advanced statistical concepts used in empirical research, including inferential analyses. You’ll use SPSS software to perform advanced computations as you build independent, scholarly statistical skills. Coursework will emphasize multivariate data; the use, comprehension, and evaluation of sophisticated statistical concepts; and the proper presentation of statistical results.

This course builds on a foundational understanding of qualitative designs and measurements to focus on analyses of the data. Coursework takes you deeper into the skills and techniques necessary to ensure the appropriate analyses of qualitative data, including integrating relevant frameworks, verifying trustworthiness of the findings, and selecting suitable methods for presenting analyses and findings.

The doctoral comprehensive assessment is your opportunity to demonstrate your preparation for entering the dissertation phase as a PhD candidate. You’ll synthesize discipline-specific content with research designs and analysis methods to create a prospectus for a theoretically-based research study that focuses on furthering knowledge in the field of education. Whereas EdD research focuses on addressing a researchable problem with practical applications, PhD research has a focus on contribution to theory and the broader discipline of education. This course is begun only after all your foundation, specialization, and research courses have been completed, and your prospectus will likely become the foundation of your PhD dissertation. 

Students in this course will be required to complete chapter one of their dissertation proposal, including the following: a review of literature with substantiating evidence of the problem, the research purpose and questions, the intended methodological design and approach, and the significance of the study. A completed, committee-approved chapter one is required to pass the course. If you don’t receive approval to minimum standards, you’ll be able to take up to three supplementary eight-week courses to finalize and gain approval of chapter one.

In this course, you’ll work on completing chapters one to three of your dissertation proposal and receiving committee approval for the dissertation proposal (DP). Chapter two consists of the literature review, while chapter three covers the research methodology and design, including population, sample, measurement instruments, data collection and analysis, limitations, and ethical considerations. Completed, committee-approved chapters two and three are required to pass the course, as is a final approved dissertation proposal. If you don’t receive approval to minimum standards, you’ll be able to take up to three supplementary eight-week courses to finalize and gain approval of these requirements.

In this course, you’ll prepare, submit, and obtain approval of your Institutional Review Board (IRB) application. You’ll also collect data and submit a final study closure form to the IRB. If you’re still collecting data at the end of the 12-week course, you’ll be able to take up to three supplementary eight-week courses to complete data collection and file your IRB study closure form.

In this dissertation course, you’ll work on completing chapters four, five, and your final dissertation manuscript. Specifically, you’ll complete your data analysis, prepare your study results, and present your findings with an oral defense and a completed manuscript. A completed, committee-approved dissertation manuscript and successful oral defense are required to complete the course and graduate. If you don’t receive approval for either or both, you can take up to three supplementary eight-week courses to finalize and gain approval.

* The elective can be satisfied with any doctoral-level School of Education course. The course listed in the degree plan can be changed upon request. Contact your academic and finance advisor for assistance.

Specialization Courses

SE-7100 Advanced Topics in Special Education

As the first course in this specialization, the focus here goes beyond individual students and classrooms to a programmatic level that includes entire schools or districts. Another focus includes educational equity, social justice, inclusion, and ethical nuances within the context of special education programs. You’ll also consider teacher retention and the implications of high-and-low-incidence disabilities on special education program planning and implementation. Throughout the course, you’ll cultivate communication skills, particularly around conflict management and collaboration.

SE-7200 Analyzing Data and Monitoring Student Progress

Here you’ll learn how to collect, analyze, interpret, and use individual and aggregated student data to monitor student progress and improve special education programs. You’ll also consider historical perspectives, different techniques, and coding systems for students who use a behavior plan. Throughout the course, you’ll prioritize considerations for equity, fairness, and bias in the collection, analysis, interpretation, and utilization of student data.

SE-7300 Leadership, Law, and Finance in Special Education

The areas of finance, law, and leadership are deep topics in special education. This course touches on each one at a higher level. You’ll explore the various funding models for special education programs and services, including legal considerations, service delivery models, and specific leadership scenarios and reporting obligations. Throughout the course, you’ll consider the role of leadership in cultivating culturally responsive relationships with all stakeholders to ensure equity and fairness.

SE-7400 Implementing Programs for Students with Intellectual and Learning Disabilities

This course focuses on implementation of special education programs at school and district levels for students with intellectual and specific learning disabilities (SLDs). You’ll investigate necessary support, service delivery models, and quality assurance approaches, and synthesize research for evidence-based practices, including strategies for promoting equity, inclusion, and social justice. While some of the concepts here will apply to other categories of disability, this course concentrates specifically on intellectual and specific learning disabilities.

SE-7500 Implementing Programs for Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

This course focuses on implementation of special education programs at school and district levels for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. You’ll investigate necessary supports, service delivery models, and quality assurance approaches, and synthesize research for evidence-based practices, including strategies for promoting equity, inclusion, and social justice. While some of the concepts here apply to other categories of disability, this course uses the lens of emotional and behavioral disorders.

SE-7600 Advanced Capstone in Special Education

In this final course of the specialization, you’ll synthesize your work across all courses into a capstone project of your own design. This project will integrate theory and practice within a specific topic of your choosing related to special education programs at the school or district levels. As you prepare your project, you’ll evaluate the impacts of current trends, technologies, and issues of bias, fairness, and social justice. Your project will reflect not only your knowledge and skills in relation to the course learning outcomes, but also your overall preparedness to influence special education programs at the school or district levels.

Program Outcomes

The PhD in Education program prepares you for making significant contributions to the body of knowledge in the broad field of education as well as a more narrowed area of instructional specialization. Learning outcomes include the ability to:

• Develop deep knowledge of educational systems, theories, and research in an area of expertise
• Interpret theories, research, and ideas for different audiences through multiple methods of communication
• Integrate ethical principles and professional standards for a specific discipline within the field
• Conduct autonomous or collaborative research using high-level analytical skills
• Contribute to the body of knowledge specific to a discipline within the field

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Top 20 PhD Programs in Special Education

Reviewed by Mary McLaughlin, Special Education Teacher; M.S. SpEd

Heading to graduate school for a Doctor of Philosophy is an option worth considering for special educators seeking career advancement. The PhD in Special Education is a terminal degree that provides the highest level of research-based methods for studying and developing new pedagogical tools that improve outcomes for exceptional children. Many PhD graduates enter faculty positions in higher education to teach tomorrow’s teachers. The BLS predicts faster-than-average job growth in academia at 13 percent through 2024. University-level education professors report a mean annual wage of $70,260. Education PhD holders could also become special education directors, school principals , curriculum developers, superintendents, and childcare administrators.

Therefore, we’ve constructed the following list of the Top 20 Ph.D. Special Education Programs in the United States. We consulted with the U.S. News and World Report rankings to narrow down the best campus-based colleges for graduate teaching degrees. We visited the website for each high-ranking school to find Ph.D. programs, which are more scientific and lab-oriented than Ed.D. degrees. Our ranking favored programs offering several degree specializations. Special priority was given to teacher programs accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) or similar entities. Other conditions considered were doctoral tuition support, graduate assistantships, student-faculty ratio, admission selectivity, academic rigor, and dissertation opportunities.

1. University of Wisconsin – Madison

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As a “Public Ivy,” land-grant institution with RU/VH status, the University of Wisconsin-Madison stands upon 936 urban acres along Lake Monona to educate over 13,800 post-graduates. The U.S. News applauded UW-Madison for the third best graduate education school nationally. Within the NCATE-accredited School of Education, advanced cohorts of four to eight students pursue the 56-credit Special Education Ph.D. program yearly. Over $50 million in extramural funding supports dissertations in the Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER).

Doctoral Tuition: $791 (in-state) or $1,623 (out-of-state) per credit

Learn more about the Top PhD Programs in Special Education at the University of Wisconsin – Madison here.

2. Columbia University

Endowed for $9.04 billion, Columbia University is a private, Ivy League AAU member founded in 1754 before the Declaration of Independence that’s now enrolling around 19,500 post-grads on 299 urban acres in Upper Manhattan. The U.S. News ranked Columbia’s Teachers College seventh nationally for best graduate education. Special educators have several doctoral options, including a Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis, Ph.D. in Intellectual Disability/Autism & Severe/Multiple Disabilities, or Ph.D. in Deaf and Hard of Hearing, with CAEP approval.

Doctoral Tuition: $9,072 (half-time) or $18,144 (full-time) per semester

Learn more about the Top PhD Programs in Special Education at Columbia University here.

3. Vanderbilt University

Attracting 5,800 post-grads from 90 foreign countries, Vanderbilt University is a private, nonprofit RU/VH institution in the 568 Group that’s located on a 330-acre urban campus in Middle Tennessee near midtown Nashville. According to the U.S. News, the Peabody College is tied for America’s seventh best graduate education school. The NCATE-accredited Ph.D. in Special Education provides four tracks: Early Childhood, High Incidence, Severe Disabilities, and Visual Impairments. Doctoral candidates also contribute to Vanderbilt’s premier Kennedy Center Research on Human Development.

Doctoral Tuition: $1,854 per credit hour

Learn more about the Top PhD Programs in Special Education at Vanderbilt University here.

4. University of Washington

Affiliated with seven Nobel Prize laureates, the University of Washington is a public, land-grant APRU institution in the Pac-12 Conference that’s endowed for $2.9 billion and serving over 14,600 post-grad Huskies from 703 acres in Seattle. The U.S. News placed the UW College of Education ninth nationally for graduate teaching programs. Offering tuition waivers and $1,700 monthly stipends, the Ph.D. in Special Education degree has three specializations: High- and Low-Incidence Disabilities, Secondary Education, and Applied Behavior Analysis.

Doctoral Tuition: $5,992 (in-state) or $10,404 (out-of-state) per quarter

Learn more about the Top PhD Programs in Special Education at the University of Washington here.

5. University of Texas at Austin

Led by president Gregory L. Fenves, the University of Texas at Austin occupies 434 urban acres as a flagship public, space-grant RU/VH institution with 11,350 post-graduates. UT-Austin has America’s 11th best graduate education according to the USNWR. Linked to the Texas Center for Disability Studies, the Ph.D. in Special Education program lets Longhorns choose from four concentrations: Autism & Developmental Disabilities, Early Childhood Special Education, Learning Disabilities & Behavioral Disorders, or Multicultural Special Education.

Doctoral Tuition: $5,062 (in-state) or $9,232 (out-of-state) each semester

Learn more about the Top PhD Programs in Special Education at the University of Texas at Austin here.

6. New York University

New York University is a private, nonprofit RU/VH institution with an $8.04 billion budget to educate over 24,300 post-grad Violets from a 230-acre urban campus in Greenwich Village. Founded in 1890, NYU’s Steinhardt School was ranked 13th nationally for best graduate education by the U.S. News. Holding CAEP accreditation, the 60-credit Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning program offers a Special Education emphasis. Students work with poverty-impacted children at 25 partnering schools in East Harlem and South Bronx.

Doctoral Tuition: $10,390 (half-time) or $20,368 (full-time) per year

Learn more about the Top PhD Programs in Special Education at New York University here.

7. University of Oregon

Boasting over 195,000 living alumni, including Columbia’s President Lee Bollinger, the University of Oregon is a flagship public, Pac-12 RU/VH institution endowed for $758 million on a 295-acre urban campus in Eugene along the Willamette. The U.S. News ranked the UO College of Education 14th nationally. Linked with the award-winning Pearl Duck Autism Center, the Ph.D. in Special Education offers five emphases in Positive Behavior Support, Low-Incidence Disabilities, Early Intervention, Prevention & Academic Intervention, and Secondary/Transition Services.

Doctoral Tuition: $16,602 (in-state) or $27,591 (out-of-state) each year

Learn more about the Top PhD Programs in Special Education at the University of Oregon here.

8. University of Kansas

Chartered in 1864 after “Bleeding Kansas” ended, the University of Kansas is a flagship public, land-grant AAU member with a $1.86 billion endowment and 28,100 Jayhawks enrolled on its spacious 1,100-acre urban campus on Mount Oread. Kansas placed 17th for best graduate education school according to the U.S. News. Taking a scientific-practitioner model, the Ph.D. in Special Education maintains CAEP accreditation for six specializations, such as Early Childhood Unified, Instruction Design and Technology, and Special Education Policy.

Doctoral Tuition: $402 (in-state) or $909 (out-of-state) per credit

Learn more about the Top PhD Programs in Special Education at the University of Kansas here.

9. Ohio State University

Reporting $652 million in research expenditures, Ohio State University is a public, sea-grant RU/VH institution contributing to the Big Ten Academic Alliance with over 13,500 post-grad Buckeyes studying on its 1,765-acre headquarters in Columbus. The U.S. News ranked the NCATE-accredited College of Education and Human Ecology 18th nationwide. In Ramseyer Hall, students begin the 63-credit Ph.D. in Educational Studies, Special Education program every Autumn with self-designed specializations like Applied Behavior Analysis or Urban Issues in Special Education.

Doctoral Tuition: $12,888 (in-state) or $33,334 (out-of-state) each year

Learn more about the Top PhD Programs in Special Education at Ohio State University here.

10. University of California – Berkeley

Created under the Dwinelle Bill of 1868, the University of California-Berkeley is a public, land-grant IARU member noted for the Free Speech Movement that’s teaching 10,800 post-grad Golden Bears across its 1,232 urban acres in Alameda County. The Berkeley Graduate School of Education was tied for 18th nationally by the U.S. News. Partnering with San Francisco State University, the Joint Doctoral Program in Special Education offers a Ph.D. and access to the UC SPEDDR Center for Research.

Doctoral Tuition: $11,220 (in-state) or $26,322 (out-of-state) per year

Learn more about the Top PhD Programs in Special Education at the University of California – Berkeley here.

11. University of Virginia

Since becoming the South’s first AAU member in 1904, the University of Virginia has grown its $5.85 billion endowment as a flagship public, land-grant RU/VH institution to engage over 6,500 post-grad Cavaliers upon its 1,682-acre historic campus in Charlottesville. UVA’s Curry School of Education holds CAEP accreditation as the 18th best teacher educator nationwide according to the U.S. News. Advanced cohorts can enter the 72-credit Ph.D. in Special Education program specialized in High-Incidence Disabilities or Gifted/Talented Education.

Doctoral Tuition: $15,224 (in-state) or $25,174 (out-of-state) per year

Learn more about the Top PhD Programs in Special Education at the University of Virginia here.

12. Michigan State University

Split into 17 colleges with 11,400 post-grad Spartans total, Michigan State University is a public, land-grant and sea-grant RU/VH powerhouse with a $2.25 billion endowment that occupies 5,200 acres on the Red Cedar River in East Lansing. The U.S. News applauded MSU for America’s 21st best graduate education degrees. Within the CAEP-accredited College of Education, there’s a 67-credit Special Education Ph.D. program available. Doctoral students conduct dissertations in state-of-the-art labs like the Research on Teaching and Learning Institute.

Doctoral Tuition: $698 (in-state) or $1,372 (out-of-state) per credit

Learn more about the Top PhD Programs in Special Education at Michigan State University here.

13. University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Sitting atop a 2,730-acre urban campus in Minneapolis-St. Paul overlooking the Mississippi River, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public, land-grant and space-grant BTAA member with nearly 15,900 post-grad Golden Gophers enrolled. Minnesota’s CAEP-accredited College of Education & Human Development is ranked 21st nationally by the U.S. News. Teachers could earn the 69-credit Special Education Ph.D. degree on-campus. Several are recruited for the National Center for Leadership in Intensive Intervention (NCLii) Fellowships.

Doctoral Tuition: $8,120 (in-state) or $12,560 (out-of-state) per semester

Learn more about the Top PhD Programs in Special Education at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities here.

14. University of Illinois – Chicago

Easily accessed from the UIC-Halsted Blue Line, the University of Illinois-Chicago is a public, state-funded GCU Coalition member that will “Teach, Research, Serve” with 11,400 post-grad Flames yearly from 244 urban acres on Chicago’s Near West Side. Illinois was ranked 24th for best graduate education by the U.S. News. Adhering to NCATE standards, the 96-hour Ph.D. in Special Education offers practice in the UIC Educational Assessment Clinic and research in the Center for Urban Education Leadership.

Doctoral Tuition: $5,740 (in-state) or $11,860 (out-of-state) each semester

Learn more about the Top PhD Programs in Special Education at the University of Illinois – Chicago here.

15. Utah State University

Established in 1888 from Anthon H. Lund’s vision, Utah State University is a public, land-grant and space-grant RU/VH institution drawing over 3,900 post-grad Aggies from the “Beehive State” and beyond to its 400-acre suburban campus in Logan. According to the U.S. News, USU’s Emma Eccles Jones College is the 26th best graduate education school. Special educators could pursue the 70-credit Disability Disciplines Doctoral Program for seven Ph.D. specializations, including Applied Behavior Analysis, Rehabilitation Counseling, and Special Education.

Doctoral Tuition: $3,138 (in-state) or $9,793 (out-of-state) per term

Learn more about the Top PhD Programs in Special Education at Utah State University here.

16. University of Connecticut

Learn more about the Top PhD Programs in Special Education at the University of Connecticut here.

Belonging to Universitas 21 Global with Ohio State, the University of Connecticut is a public, land-grant, space-grant RU/VH hub located on 4,400 rural acres in Storrs to educate 8,300 post-grad Huskies in New England’s Knowledge Corridor. The NCATE-accredited Neag School of Education has America’s 27th best graduate degrees according to the U.S. News. Full-time students could earn full-tuition coverage for the Ph.D. in Special Education tracks for Literacy Supports, Positive Behavior Supports, Postsecondary Transition, or Early Childhood.

Doctoral Tuition: $7,998 (in-state) or $18,516 (out-of-state) each semester

Learn more about the Top PhD Programs in Special Education at the University of Connecticut University here.

17. University of Pittsburgh

Positioned on 132 urban acres in Western Pennsylvania’s Schenley Farms Historic District, the University of Pittsburgh is a public, land-grant RU/VH center tracing back to 1787 that’s endowed for $3.52 billion and educating 9,800 post-grad Panthers. The NCATE-accredited School of Education is tied for 27th place according to the U.S. News. Special educators have three doctoral options: the Ph.D. in Early Intervention, Ph.D. in Education of Students with Mental & Physical Disabilities, or Ph.D. in Vision Studies.

Doctoral Tuition: $21,260 (in-state) or $34,944 (out-of-state) per year

Learn more about the Top PhD Programs in Special Education at the University of Pittsburgh here.

18. University of Florida

Continuously operating in Gainesville since 1906, the University of Florida is a public, land-grant and sea-grant RU/VH superpower with a $1.46 billion endowment and more than 16,200 post-grad Gators gobbling knowledge on its 2,000-acre suburban campus. The U.S. News ranked UF 29th for best graduate education programs. With NCATE accreditation, the 90-hour Ph.D. in Special Education gives research-oriented training in cutting-edge institutes like the CEEDAR Center. Doctoral candidates could add the Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia or Disabilities in Society.

Doctoral Tuition: $12,740 (in-state) or $30,134 (out-of-state) per year

Learn more about the Top PhD Programs in Special Education at the University of Florida here.

19. University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

Under Chancellor Carol Folt’s leadership, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill educates more than 10,600 post-grad Tar Heels as a public, land-grant SURA member with a $2.89 billion endowment and sprawling 729-acre urban campus near Raleigh. The CAEP-accredited School of Education stood out for America’s 31st best graduate degrees on the U.S. News survey. The 64-credit Ph.D. in Education program offers an Applied Developmental Sciences and Special Education track with emphases like Autism and Early Childhood.

Doctoral Tuition: $11,940 (in-state) or $29,150 (out-of-state) each year

Learn more about the Top PhD Programs in Special Education at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill here.

20. Indiana University – Bloomington

Occupying a 1,937-acre urban campus atop Salem Limestone near Giffy Lake Nature Preserve, Indiana University-Bloomington is a public, land-grant URA research institution endowed for $1.98 billion that’s training 10,150 post-grad Hoosiers. According to the U.S. News, the NCATE-accredited W.W. Wright School of Education has the 32nd best graduate teaching degrees. Admitting each January, the Ph.D. in Special Education program grants seven unique specializations, such as Family Supportive Practices, Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Disorders Intervention.

Doctoral Tuition: $4,002 (in-state) or $12,161 (out-of-state) per semester

Learn more about the Top PhD Programs in Special Education at Indiana University – Bloomington here.

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A Flexible Online Doctorate (PhD) Program in Special Education

The Special Education Doctor of Philosophy program allows you to pursue your specific interests and goals in the field of special education. Our program is based on the concept that your learning is an active, self-regulated process.

You will work in collaboration with your advisor and committee on individualized instruction in theory, pedagogy, research methodology, evidence-based practice, public policy and advocacy, and collaboration. Required courses include special education, research methods, electives, and research tools.

Become a Special Education Leader And Advocate

You will be prepared for creative leadership in a rapidly changing world that is experiencing increasing cultural diversity and structural reforms. Become a steward and advocate for exceptional students via a wide range of leadership positions in public and private schools, colleges, universities, agencies, businesses and government entities.

I'm Ready To Apply!

Credits Required: 77

Time to Completion: 3-5 years including dissertation

Tuition: $734/credit hour

Delivery Option & Start Term: Online program: starts each Fall term

Get Started/Apply

Meet with Admissions Coach

Program Coordinator

Silvia Correa-Torres, Ed.D. [email protected] 970-351-1660

Course of Study

Eligibility & transfer credit, costs & aid.

This program can be completed in 77 credit hours (including dissertation). Additional credit hours could be required if optional research tools coursework or additional externship hours are chosen.

Choose the enrollment level that is right for you. Full-time students generally finish in three years; part-time students can typically finish within five years.

• Content courses are offered in the Fall and Spring terms. Three 16-week courses are available. You can enroll in 1 to 3 courses.
• In Summer terms, you will focus on electives, research tools courses, externship, and your dissertation. These courses are also available in Fall and Spring.

Coursework (77 Credit Hours)

To see the upcoming courses, visit this program's Current Students page .

Doctoral Core (25 Hours)

• EDSE 701 Introduction to Doctoral Study in Exceptionalities (1)
• EDSE 702 Law of Exceptionalities (3)
• EDSE 721 Theories of Exceptionality (3)
• EDSE 727 Seminar in Exceptionalities (3)
• EDSE 728 Seminar in Professional Writing (3)
• EDSE 732 Research in Exceptionalities (3)
• EDSE 733 Preparing Teachers of Students with Exceptionalities (3)
• EDSE 744 Grant Writing Seminar (3)
• EDSE 745 Advanced Doctoral Seminar (3)

Research Core (12 Hours)

• SRM 602 Statistical Methods I (3)
• SRM 603 Statistical Methods II (3)
• SRM 680 Introduction to Qualitative Research (3)
• SRM 700 Advanced Research Methods (3)

Research Tools (12 Hours Minimum)

Students in special education must demonstrate proficiency in two of the four research tools . You will work with your advisor on research tool course options.

Electives (9 Hours)

Students are to select 9 semester hours of courses in a cognate closely related to the student’s program goals. Electives are chosen in consultation with the major advisor and are an integral part of the program plan.

Dissertation (16 Hours)

• EDSE 797 Doctoral Proposal Research (4 total)
• EDSE 799 Doctoral Dissertation (12 total)

Externships (3 Hours Minimum)

• EDSE 730 Externship in Exceptionalities (3)

Add a Director of Gifted Education Licensure/ Endorsement

You can include Director of Gifted Education Endorsement preparation if you take it as an Area of Special Interest for this PhD degree.

Contact the Program Coordinator for details and advice based upon your academic background.

Comprehensive Performance Assessment

The comprehensive examination consists of a written Major Paper plus a matrix of performance options that demonstrates competency in theory, pedagogy, research methodology, evidence-based practice, public policy/advocacy, and collaboration.

For full details, see the official program listing in the UNC Graduate Catalog.

Admission Requirements

Possess (or be in the process of finishing) a master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or a comparable degree from a foreign institution.

Have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better (on a 4.00 point scale) for the most recent degree earned or current degree in progress. If you are still completing your master's degree at the time you apply, admission will be based on your current cumulative GPA, and you will need to re-submit your official transcript (showing your conferred degree and final GPA) during your first semester. If your final GPA fell below 3.00, you will be given additional requirements as defined by the academic program that must be met within one calendar year to remain enrolled at UNC.

Note: the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is NOT required for this program.

Prerequisite course: SRM 600 Introduction to Graduate Research (3) or equivalent (you can be admitted without this prerequisite, but will need to take it prior to taking your first SRM course in the program).

Eligibility by State

At this time, UNC can provide distance education to students from every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. UNC cannot provide distance education in American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.

Certain distance education activities that occur outside of Colorado may have additional state approval processes or requirements. This most commonly occurs for experiential learning placement activities such as practica, internships, student teaching, and healthcare clinicals. Please review the State Authorization (SARA) page for additional information on UNC’s ability to offer distance education across state lines and a list of activities and states where approval may be required. For additional information or questions, please contact [email protected] .

International Student Eligibility

International students residing outside of the United States are eligible to apply to our online programs. Applicants for online programs must demonstrate English proficiency, or enroll in the UNC Intensive English Program , in order to be considered.

Students in completely online UNC programs are not required to come to the United States. You will not need a student visa or receive any immigration documentation, and do not need to provide financial documentation.

Please visit the International Students Admission Requirements page for details about English proficiency requirements and applying as an international student.

Transferring Credit

UNC graduate school accepts applicable graduate credit with a grade of C or higher from accredited institutions. Please note that if your chosen program has a higher grade minimum for any program coursework, that minimum would apply to transfer requests for those courses. Graduate program faculty are responsible for reviewing any proposed transfer credit to ensure that course content and objectives match program content.

• Students must complete at least 50% of their graduate program credits at UNC, not including research, capstone, seminar, internship/externship/practicum, thesis, dissertation proposal, dissertation and any credits graded with S/U (P/F).
• Courses requested for transfer must not be more than eight years old for doctoral degree credit, and cannot have been used to fulfill requirements for a previously awarded degree. See the full Graduate Transfer Credit Policy .

A student who possesses a specialist degree may count a maximum of 21 semester hours of specialist work in the doctoral program with the approval of the Graduate School, the program advisor, and all members of the doctoral committee. Schools may have requirements that exceed the minimums established by the university.

This is an Extended Campus program, which means:

• We charge a flat per-credit tuition rate for all students (in-state or out-of-state).
• There are no added student fees or technology fees. However, certain courses may carry specific course fees to support additional services and materials.

Program tuition for the 2024-25 academic year (which runs Fall, Spring, and Summer terms) is $734 per credit hour. Tuition for the 2025-26 academic year will be determined mid-June 2025.

Estimates of additional costs: For the purposes of determining financial aid, UNC follows Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) and federal guidelines to develop an estimated, average Cost of Attendance (budget) for different student classifications. For your personal tuition estimates, we recommend using the program-specific tuition information above. But UNC's official Cost of Attendance/ Student Budgets page can help you identify other estimated expenses for which you may be responsible while completing your program.

Financial Aid

Graduate assistantships.

Limited graduate assistantship opportunities are available to offset program costs. Multiple factors are involved in awarding these positions, but the earlier you apply for your chosen start term the greater your chance of full consideration. Contact the Program Coordinator with any questions about assistantships.

Federal Financial Aid

Degree-seeking students who cannot pay for tuition alone are encouraged to apply for federal financial aid. Students must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The UNC FAFSA/financial aid page for graduate students has key dates and support, including the release date and deadline for each academic year (a Fall-Spring-Summer cycle which begins each August).

Late submissions of the FAFSA are still accepted throughout the school year but you may not be considered for the maximum amount of aid. If the priority deadline has passed for the upcoming/current school year, we encourage you to apply for FAFSA consideration as soon as you enroll for your first courses. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to submit an application for the current academic year and an early/priority application for the following academic year.

Doctoral degree students must be enrolled in a minimum of 5 credits per academic term for financial aid eligibility. Full time enrollment is based on 9 credits per term.

To apply for federal financial aid assistance

Fill out the FAFSA form at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

For more specific help, contact the Office of Financial Aid:  [email protected] , 970-351-4862  or via the UNC Financial Aid website .

Students can also find helpful information such as the Guide to Federal Student Aid at https://studentaid.gov/resources . Most of the resources are available in English, Spanish and Braille.

Student Health Insurance

The University of Northern Colorado offers a Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) to all degree-seeking students who enroll in courses on our main UNC Campus, an Extended Campus Center, or Online.

Degree-seeking graduate students enrolled in 6 or more credit hours will automatically receive this benefit each term. SHIP premiums will appear on your semester bill. If you have comparable insurance coverage, and do not want to be charged for SHIP coverage, you must opt out of this plan each Fall via an online waiver process .

Please visit the UNC Student Health Insurance pages for more information about the insurance plan.

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Additional Resources

• We also encourage you to visit the School of Special Education page for this program, which includes information about the on-campus delivery of this program.
• Learn more about the Special Education Faculty .

Related Programs

• Special Education: Gifted Education Director (Endorsement)
• Special Education Director (Licensure)

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College of Education

Phd special education.

The PhD in Special Education prepares individuals for careers as university scholars, teacher educators, and school leaders. With a focus on conducting research on special education in urban and culturally diverse schools, we emphasize the importance of data and empirically derived theory to promote effective practice and policy for students with special needs. The program develops student competencies in research and teaching through coursework and individual advising. In addition, the program provides doctoral students opportunities to develop competitive professional resumes through scholarly publications and presentations at the national, state, and regional levels. Program faculty have expertise in a range of areas including language and literacy, early intervention, developmental disabilities, emotional and behavioral disabilities, special education policy, and teacher preparation.

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• Book icon Summary of Program Curriculum
• Book icon 2023-2024 UIC Graduate Catalog

Overall: 96 semester hours of graduate work beyond the bachelor’s degree or 64 semester hours beyond the master’s degree

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Frequently asked questions heading link copy link, what can i do with a phd in special education.

The purpose of UIC’s Special Education PhD program is to prepare students to pursue careers in special education research in either academia or to pursue school or district administrative positions. Most graduates move into higher education which includes preparing teachers, conducting research, and contributing to the field via various service activities.

How long does the program take?

Most students complete the program between four and six years with full-time students, typically completing the program in closer to four years and part-time students completing the program in six years.

Is transfer of course credit allowed?

Transfer of course credit is not automatic and requires approval of program faculty. The UIC Graduate College permits no more than 25 percent of the hours to be transferred into the degree. UIC’s Special Education PhD program will transfer up to 16 credit hours of relevant coursework if approved by the program coordinator and the Graduate College. For more information about credit transfer procedures, please consult the UIC Graduate Catalog .

Can I hold a job while in the program?

Yes, many students in the program will hold a full-time job during their program. Evening course meeting times help to reduce conflicts between work and academic schedules.

When do courses meet?

College of Education courses typically meet once a week in the evenings (5 p.m.–8 p.m.) Monday through Thursday. In the summer, they typically meet twice per week in the evenings (4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)

Is the GRE required?

No, the GRE is not required.

Is a master’s degree required for this program?

Yes. A master’s degree is required to earn a PhD. The master’s degree may come from any field related to special education. For students without a master’s degree, it is possible to earn one as part of the program of study while pursuing the PhD. Experience working in the field prior to enrolling is beneficial to students entering the field.

Can I afford the degree?

UIC makes every effort to help students pay for the cost of going to college. Our College Financial Aid page can help answer your questions.

Review the UIC tuition and fee schedule and find out more about billing and payment options .

The University of Illinois at Chicago offers six basic types of financial aid for graduate students: fellowships, assistantships, tuition-and-selected-fee waivers, traineeships, loans, and employment. Applicants for these types of aid must be admitted to a graduate degree program or have a completed application pending. Eligibility for loans is determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid. Applicants for loans should go directly to the Office of Student Financial Aid. Applications for fellowships, assistantships, and tuition/fee waivers are available in the department office, the Graduate College Office, and on the Graduate College website. In the administration of these programs and in selecting students for participation in them, the University of Illinois at Chicago adheres to the Nondiscrimination Statement on the Office for Access and Equity website .

Can I get housing on campus?

Yes. It is best to apply as soon as you know you want to live on campus, because applications are prioritized by date of application. Visit campus housing to find out more and submit your application.

What student support does the College of Education provide?

The UIC College of Education is committed to the success of its students. If you have concerns or questions you can stop by the Office of Student Services or make an appointment to see a faculty advisor. The College encourages a good working relationship between students and their advisors. You can also find support from your professors and fellow students. UIC offers many support programs and opportunities that encourage academic success. Your program advisor can help you connect to UIC resources.

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Special Education Doctorate Degree (Ph.D.)

An individually crafted program of study prepares you for faculty and leadership positions in colleges, universities, research institutes, or human service agencies.

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Program Overview

Acquire fundamental research methodology skills requisite for advanced positions in special education and engage in research on topics of particular interest and importance. Prepare and submit grant proposals-many of our students have received grants from the U.S. Department of Education. Have opportunities to publish throughout your program and present your work widely at state, regional, and national conferences. Develop a strong professional portfolio that leads to a faculty or research position in leading programs across the country.

Program Facts

Director of Graduate Studies: Robert Hodapp Admissions Coordinator: Kelly Limina Admission Term: Fall Application Deadline: December 1

Specializations

Early childhood program.

The Early Childhood Program is designed to serve infants, toddlers, young children, and their families who deal with a wide range of developmental delays including cognitive, communication, social, adaptive behavior, or motor skills.

High Incidence Program

The High Incidence Program is designed to serve children and young adults with learning disabilities, behavior disorders, and mild-to-moderate intellectual disability.

Low Incidence Program

The Low Incidence Program is designed to serve children, youth, and adults who have intellectual disability, autism, multiple disabilities, and other students with extensive support needs or visual disabilities.

Tuition and Financial Aid

All admitted Ph.D. students receive funding for at least four years of study, which includes full tuition, a monthly stipend competitive with any college of education in the nation, and health insurance. Based on presented qualifications, Peabody will nominate select students for additional honor scholarships and fellowships that supplement the baseline college award. SPED receives leadership training grants from the Office of Special Education Programs in the U.S. Department of Education that provide doctoral students with tuition, monthly stipends, health insurance, and professional travel. To be eligible for these grants, students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Other funding streams are available for those who do not meet these requirements.

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Doctor of Education (EdD) in Special Education Prepare for Your Next Step

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100% online,* 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Prepare to Shape the Future of Special Education with a Doctor of Education in Special Education Degree

Are you interested in furthering your career in education? Do you have experience in or are looking to branch out into special education? Do you want to develop a deep understanding of the inner workings of a successful special education program?

It takes dedicated and equipped individuals to make a positive impact in the field of education – even more so in special education. Our Doctor of Education (EdD) in Special Education is designed to help you become well-equipped to communicate through various mediums, critically problem-solve, and increase information literacy through examining current literature and research. These skills are essential to effectively lead in special education.

This program can help enthusiastic educators like you develop the knowledge and skills needed to make a profound impact in the field of special education. If you have a passion for molding the minds of others and desire specific training in the area of special education, Liberty University’s 100% online EdD in Special Education may be the right fit for you.

Partner with us and further your education so you can invest in others and create change for the good. Embark on this transformative educational experience and discover how our program can empower you to become a leader, advocate, and catalyst for change in the lives of individuals with special needs.

*Some exclusions apply. Please refer to our exclusions page for more information.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s Special Education EdD Degree?

Liberty University is committed to preparing future educators and leaders who can impact the broader field of education for Christ. Our EdD in Special Education is a 100% online program that provides advanced training for educators across various fields. Whether your goal is to work directly with those who have special education needs, design curricula, serve in the administration, or lead an organization, this program can provide you with a well-rounded understanding of learning theory and help you apply it to your professional endeavors.

At Liberty University, we believe in the integration of faith and learning. Our program is founded on a strong Christian worldview, providing a distinct perspective that permeates every course we offer. You can have the opportunity to explore the intersection of biblical truth and the principles of special education, allowing you to develop a deeper understanding of the ethical and moral dimensions of this field.

Additionally, our dedicated faculty members are accomplished professionals in the field of special education. They bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the virtual classroom, ensuring that you receive the highest quality education. You can learn from professors who are committed to mentoring and guiding you throughout your doctoral journey, providing valuable insights and personalized support.

The 100% online format of our EdD in Special Education degree program allows you to further your education and career while maintaining your personal life. When you partner with Liberty University, you can be confident that you are entering an environment designed with your success in mind.

What Will You Study with Our EdD in Special Education Degree?

The EdD in Special Education program is structured to help you expand your knowledge in the realm of serving students with special needs. Through this program, you can:

• Analyze pedagogical concepts and approaches based upon research and knowledge of the discipline for high-impact practices.
• Assess educational theories within the field for professional and academic practice.
• Design and conduct original research that adds to the knowledge base of the discipline.
• Evaluate the process of designing a curriculum and implementing instructional practices.
• Integrate a biblical worldview when defending ethical and moral decision-making within the field of education.

The courses in the EdD in Special Education online program are broken down into 4 groups: education courses, special education core courses, research courses, and capstone project courses. You can have the unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of the broader education field while further focusing on special education. The education courses cover advanced learning theory and research, theories of historical and philosophical foundations, and your choice of either issues and trends in learning technologies or organizational analysis and problem-solving.

The courses specific to special education incorporate the history and future of the field, administration and supervision, collaboration and communication, assessment and evaluation, disability and learning, and critical review of special education literature. You’ll explore principles of special education and disability advocacy from a Christian perspective as well as trace current and historical trends and issues in the treatment of people with disabilities. You can develop the necessary skills for effective leadership, management, and supervision in special education and disability services.

The EdD in Special Education is specifically designed to emphasize the analysis of applied research and the practical application of that research through the creation and presentation of a capstone project. Toward the end of the program, before developing your capstone, you will take research courses that include a survey of educational research, applied research methods, literature review for applied research, and applied research concepts and methodology. To culminate the program, you will conduct original research in the field of special education to be developed into a final capstone project.

Potential Career Opportunities

• Education instructor
• Educational consultant
• K-12 educational technology director
• University administrator
• University professor

Featured Courses

• EDSP 722 – History and Future of Special Education
• EDSP 724 – Collaboration and Communication in Special Education
• EDSP 725 – Assessment and Evaluation in Special Education
• EDSP 726 – Disability and Learning

Degree Information

• This online EdD degree falls under the School of Education .
• View the Graduate Education Course Guides (login required) .
• This is a non-licensure program.

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

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Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

• Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

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Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for Our Doctor of Education (EdD) in Special Education Program

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

The Office of Graduate Admissions may request additional documentation when conducting admission reviews to evaluate a candidate’s record before a final admission decision can be made.

Please note: Guidelines are subject to change in federal or state regulations for the licensure of school personnel.

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

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(888) 301-3577

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Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
• Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

• Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for EdS and EdD courses
• Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the online doctor of education (ed.d.) program.

Do you want to reach the pinnacle of achievement for advanced education studies? Liberty University’s online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program provides all of the advanced education administration, research, curriculum development, and learning theory skills and knowledge needed to help you make a positive impact on the world of education. Through Liberty University’s doctorate in education online program, you will engage with knowledgeable professionals in the field of education who will mentor you in your development as an educator, administrator, and researcher.

Our Ed.D. degree offers a robust theoretical framework that extends your teaching methods and theories to a higher order of application, allowing you to evaluate and address teaching challenges in K-12 institutions and at the university level. Liberty’s online Ed.D. degree allows you to focus on your coursework at home and complete essential hands-on training with flexible scheduling that will meet your needs. To add to this flexibility, our online Ed.D. degree integrates the doctoral capstone project research into your course material so that you can complete this comprehensive demonstration of your education expertise more quickly.

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Fully Funded    |    Impressive Research   |    SPED Handbook    |    Information Session    |    Apply Now

Learn from leading researchers in the field of special education 

Our nationally ranked University of Oregon Special Education program has a track record of preparing graduates to stand out in their careers and improve educational practices. The research, resources, and practices our program faculty conduct impacts the field of education in the US and globally.

Our doctoral training experience is unique and individualized. Our program competencies (see handbook ) are designed to support you to develop expertise in the domains of teaching, service, and research. Working with your advisor and other program faculty, you will create a plan that will provide you expertise in the areas you are interested in studying while being exposed to all of the service and research experiences our program and COE faculty conduct.

Our program faculty teach and research a wide range of topics in the field of special education (e.g., dual language learners, assessment, autism, social emotional learning, early childhood, behavioral analysis, post-school community engagement, instruction, equity in school discipline, etc.) with a critical eye toward improving systems and practices to promote equity in educational outcomes for all students. We typically admit 4-8 students a year to work as a cohort to maximize your learning and experiences.

All admitted students receive four years of funding (including tuition and health insurance coverage).

New Training Opportunity! Project LMAESTRO will prepare future special education leaders in research, practitioner preparation, and community collaboration focused on:

• supporting young children with special needs including children with autism
• implementation science
• culturally and linguistically responsive practices

Accepted students will receive full tuition, insurance, and a stipend plus:

• Mentorship and training opportunities with autism experts across our project network
• Community partnered research and practical training opportunities

For more information on LMAESTRO, contact Dr. Stephanie Shire [email protected]

Information Session

Want to learn more? Didn't get a chance to attend our info session Monday, October 23, 2023? That's okay, we've got you covered! Watch a recorded information session to learn more about the doctoral degree program.

View Info Session PowerPoint

We have a proven track record of students completing in less than 5 years and our graduates obtain leadership positions in the following areas:

What our students are saying .

Why did you choose to come to the UO?       “I saw an opportunity to work with UO faculty members who are making a tremendous impact in the local and global communities.”

--Rikki Wheatley, Current third year doctoral student

What projects are you excited to work on?      The SIMPLE grant - Dr. James Sinclair focusing on mental health supports and integration of mental health for high school students with disabilities.

--Current second year doctoral student

Check out the impressive research our students are doing by visiting the Doctoral Ducks research site: https://blogs.uoregon.edu/speddoc/ .

Unique and individualized doctoral training experience.

• Individualized plan of study: Our program competencies (see handbook) are designed to support each candidate to develop expertise in the domains of university teaching, service, and research. How a candidate satisfies each competency is individualized to the candidate’s interests in collaboration with program faculty. 
• Collaborative Learning Environment: Each year approximately 4-8 students are accepted and work with one another using a cohort approach to create a collaborative and supportive learning experience.

SPED PhD Handbook

Joint Doctoral Program in Special Education

The JOINT Doctoral Program in Special Education prepares leaders in research, teaching, administration, and supervision for the variety of professional needs facing children, youth, and adults with disabilities. It integrates the resources of UC Berkeley and San Francisco State University ( SFSU ) and provides an opportunity for students to combine theoretical interests with applied practices in a broad spectrum of specializations within Special Education.

Focus of Study

Students select an area of academic specialization in both special and general education. Faculty and program resources at both Berkeley and SFSU are used to develop advanced knowledge of theory and research in an area of exceptionality.

Specializations include human development; early childhood, language and literacy; mathematics, science, and technology; educational policy and administration; and other areas selected by students in consultation with faculty advisers. In the program students develop three areas of emphasis or specialization.

Program Structure

Students in the Joint Doctoral Program in Special Education fulfill the same requirements as all doctoral students at Berkeley’s School of Education. They complete a body of coursework, that includes three areas of specialization, three position papers that include one empirical study, oral examination on the areas of specialization, dissertation proposal and defense without a final dissertation defense.

Courses are taken at both Berkeley and SFSU .

Entrance Requirements

Individuals from related disciplines in the social, behavioral, and health sciences who seek leadership and research training in Special Education and Human Development are encouraged to apply.

Consideration is given to successful experience in working with individuals with disabilities, or in programs serving these populations, but not required

For more information, please read the Joint Doctoral Program in Special Education Handbook .

Type of Program (PhD)

This program offers a PhD in Special Education.

Graduates have pursued professional positions at major universities nationally and internationally. Our graduates hold faculty positions at: CUNY, Vanderbilt, Florida State University, Gallaudet University, Hebrew University, Tennessee State University,  University of California, Santa Barbara, University of California, Irvine and University of Hawaii, among others. Many graduates have also become faculty members and administrators at the various CSU campuses, including East Bay, Northridge, San Francisco State, and San Jose. Other local institutions include the University of San Francisco and College of Alameda.

Graduates have also gone on to serve as directors of special education, administrators, and clinically based programs in public or private facilities. Examples of these position include: Director, King County Vocational Special Education, Seattle, Wash.; Special Education Consultant, California Dept. of Education; Senior Program & Policy Associate, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C.

Extracurricular

Doctoral students from all UC campuses are encouraged to participate with the UC SPEDDR Center for Research (Research in Special Education, Disabilities, and Developmental Risk). UC SPEDDR is a California-wide multi-UC campus research unit that aims to enhance the ability of the UC system to attract from a national pool of talented students, win large extramural grants, improve national visibility, and enhance the doctoral preparation of the next generation of research, teacher education, and other related public service doctorates.

How to Apply: Joint Doctoral in Special Education (PhD)

UC Berkeley School of Education [email protected] SF State University Department of Special Education & Communicative Disorders 156 Burk Hall (415) 338-1161 [email protected]

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School of Education

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Ph.D in Special Education

Special education, ph.d. in special education.

Conduct cutting-edge research while gaining experience in higher education teaching. This dynamic 90 credit-hour program will allow you to pursue study based on your personal interests and goals. Our apprenticeship model provides experience in the major scholarly tasks expected of future faculty and leaders in the field of Special Education. Through coursework and exploration of theory and research across a broad range of possible topics, you will work closely with a warm and diverse faculty whose expertise includes:

• Early childhood special education
• Intervention perspectives related to Autism
• Emotional/behavioral challenges (e.g., systems of care, caregiver concerns, and incarcerated youth)
• Transition to adulthood
• Teacher preparation (e.g., cultural perspectives and inclusion)
• Interventions related to learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia) and English learners with disabilities

Application Deadlines

Admission Requirements

The Graduate Studies Office will accept unofficial transcripts and self-reported test scores for admission reviews. Any admission made with these documents would be conditioned on receipt of official documents, which should be provided as soon as possible.

If you are currently enrolled or have applied in the past year, you are eligible for a reduced application fee of $35. Learn more »

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 out of 4.00
• Personal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• Minimum 79 TOEFL score or minimum 6.5 IELTS score or minimum 115 Duolingo score (international students only)
• Writing sample

Learn more about how to apply

Program Requirements

• Ph.D. in Special Education Requirements

Costs listed are per credit hour.

2023-2024 Academic Year

2024-2025 Academic Year

*Does not include all fees, which will vary depending on the number of credits enrolled. Find more information and calculate your expected costs at Student Central .

• Learn about the variety of fellowships and assistantships available to graduate students.
• Visit Student Central for information about financial assistance.
• Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.
• Active duty military, veterans, and military families should visit the Center for Veteran and Military Students to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.

Program Format

The Special Education Program at Indiana University follows an inquiry-driven approach. Students are encouraged to explore diverse theoretical positions that surround special education practices, research, and theory development. Pursuing a doctorate in this program should therefore be thought of as an ongoing process of discovery, a process that is mentored by faculty advisors, committee members, and course instructors who share in student's intellectual growth through ongoing discussion, feedback, and collaborative exploration of ideas.

The Ph.D. in special education is a 90-credit hour residential program in which students take classes on the Bloomington campus. Doctoral students work closely with a faculty advisor who acts as a mentor and provides continuity throughout the doctoral program and an advisory committee that oversees each student’s Plan of Study (POS). All students create an individualized POS based on the credit distribution requirements listed in the Graduate Bulletin; however, students have freedom to select courses that reflect their evolving intellectual interests and career goals. Doctoral students in our program are also given hands-on opportunities to work in the field and conduct research through an early research inquiry experience and special education internship requirement.

Throughout the program, doctoral students also work towards the completion of a portfolio, which serves as the qualifying examination to enter doctoral candidacy and begin the doctoral dissertation. The portfolio forms a creative synthesis between professional growth and academic rigor to ensure quality outcomes. The portfolio also provides students with opportunities to develop their skills at their own pace, using different strategies to ensure that these tasks form an integrated part of their vision for their doctoral program. Although the portfolio consists of several different tasks, the main component is the completion of 10 portfolio tasks, which are listed below.

Portfolio Tasks

• Research Proposal
• Research Investigation
• Manuscript Submitted for Publication
• Course Preparation
• Supervision
• Product Development OR Grant/Contract
• Inservice/consultation
• Presentation at a State/Regional/National Conference
• Article Reviews

Funding Opportunities

A variety of funded assistantships are available in the School of Education.

Assistantships

An assistantship or fellowship gives you an opportunity to earn a stipend for part-time teaching or research while you earn your graduate degree. It’s also an excellent professional development opportunity. Students who submit applications by the deadlines for fall entrance will be automatically considered for departmental assistantships and fellowships.

Associate instructor positions

Students appointed as associate instructors teach three 3-credit undergraduate Special Education courses (or equivalent) per year . These appointments include reduction in tuition fees as well as benefits. More information can be obtained from School of Education Graduate Studies. In addition, doctoral students who are interested in pursuing faculty positions can prepare by teaching and experiencing faculty life through IU’s Future Faculty Teaching Fellowships program. This unique program gives selected candidates an opportunity to teach for an entire academic year at Butler University, IUPUI, or one of IU’s regional campuses. However, because of the many teaching opportunities in our large undergraduate program, the majority of the doctoral students are assigned teaching appointments within the special education program. Please contact the Ph.D. coordinator for further information.

Work in Our Research Centers and Institutes

Students’ studies and research interests may align with work going on at our centers and institutes. These centers and institutes post assistantships or hourly student employment opportunities as they become available.

Work with Faculty in Special Education

Special Education faculty are actively involved in research and training projects. Potential students are encouraged to consult with individual faculty members to inquire about possibilities to work with them. Paid assistantships are available through some faculty-sponsored grants, as are unpaid positions that could provide valuable research experience.

For more information on the Ph.D. in Special Education and the processes involved in progressing through this 4-year program, download the  Special Education Doctoral Handbook .

Ph.D. Minor

The Ph.D. Minor in Special Education requires the completion of a minimum of 12 credit hours in Special Education at the doctoral level. Students seek an advisory committee minor advisor from the Special Education faculty who will help select courses. In addition to approval by the minor advisor, the selection must be approved by the School of Education Associate Dean ofGraduate Studies. The doctoral minor in Special Education does not require a minor qualifying exam. 

Within the 12 credit hours, the Special Education Ph.D. program requires at least nine credit hours of 600- or 700-level credit hours with a maximum of three 500-level credit hours. Suggested course options are listed below. Substitutions are permissible with minor advisor consent.

• K780: Seminar in Special Education
• K650: Paradigms and Policies of Special Education in the U.S.
• K681: Evidence-Based Practice in Special Education
• K631: Introduction to the Autism Spectrum
• K633: Communication Development and Intervention in Autism
• K505: Introduction to Special Education for Graduate Students
• K548: Families, School, and Society
• Request info

Our faculty

• Special Education Graduate Portal

No GRE Required

for admittance into this program

As a doctoral student, you’ll teach in undergraduate classes and supervise field placements and student teaching. Students also have many opportunities to engage in university and professional service while working with faculty mentors.

You will develop a unique professional identity through the program, leading to a range of career choices. Our graduates go on to teach at universities or continue to post-docs, research institutes, community agencies, and government entities.

Program minors have also allowed our graduates to study in numerous other disciplines offered at Indiana University, such as public health, statistics psychology, inquiry and technology.

The program is closely associated with the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community , allowing students to benefit from its many projects and resources.

Financial Support

While not all of our students enter the Ph.D. program with funding, most receive funding support after the first year. Funding is typically linked to teaching and research assistantships.

Jeffrey Anderson

Professor, associate dean for undergraduate education.

Ana Maria Brannan

Associate professor, curriculum and instruction department chair.

Teresa Grossi

Associate research scientist.

Sarah Hurwitz

Associate professor.

Professor, Director of the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community

Theresa Ochoa

Hannah Schertz

Derek Nord Professor dnord@indiana.edu (812) 855-7102

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